Determined to help medical professionals in impoverished communities serve the people better, the Emmanuel Osemota Foundation (EOF), a grassroots nonprofit, is providing 10 medical students with stethoscopes in Edo State every year.
The founder of EOF, a US-based Nigerian epidemiologist, Emmanuel Osemota said: “To us, everything serves a deeper purpose, even if it’s just a stethoscope.
“When we award just one stethoscope, we believe we are honouring the ambition of a future doctor, giving them the resources they need to succeed, and inspiring the next generation of hopeful medical professionals.”
Over the years, Osemota has continually drawn inspiration from his Nigerian-born parents, who are highly educated academic leaders in the region.
His father, Dr Samuel Uwa Osemota, of blessed memory, famously helped establish multiple higher education institutions in Nigeria — most notable is the Federal Polytechnic in Auchi, Edo State.
Known for his passion for students and excitement for future generations, Dr S.U. Osemota is the inspiration behind Dr. S.U. Osemota Achievers Awards.
To reward the next generation of ambitious Nigerian leaders, the programme provides laptops to university business students, stethoscopes to medical school students, and books and supplies to primary school students.
“Stethoscope is a powerful symbol in the eyes of EOF that every year, the foundation proudly distributes the tool to the top 10 best students in Part 1 MBBS examination at the College of Medicine at Ambrose Alli University in Ekpoma, Edo-State, Nigeria,” the founder emphasised.
With the wider goal of improving lives through high-quality healthcare and access to education, the EOF has an intimate connection to Nigerian medical students who strive to one day aid their communities.
According to Osemota, the Stethoscope Ceremony, where the top 10 best students in the Part 1 MBBS examination at the College of Medicine at Ambrose Alli University, is practical and symbolic to them.
“Health and education are the absolute cornerstones of a happy life, but more importantly, they empower communities to become self-sustainable for generations to come.
“By celebrating the students who strive to serve their people, we are setting up countless people for long-term success,” said Osemota, who’s confident that the future doctors will use their tools daily.
“The special moment has the power to inspire younger generations to follow in their footsteps and pursue higher education.
“Awarding the ten stethoscopes is one of the most touching things we do at the foundation. We look forward to honouring the next generation of brilliant physicians all year,” he added.
The EOF is motivated by the belief that when a community is educated and its people are healthy, there’s no limit to what they can achieve.
The foundation strives to uplift local communities in Nigeria through high-quality healthcare and on-the-ground education opportunities, among others.
